Susanna
soo-ZAN-ah
Susanna is one of the oldest continuously used female names in the English-speaking world, brought to Britain by early Christian tradition and found in English records from the medieval period onward. Its longer, more formal cadence distinguishes it from the shorter Susan, lending it an elegant, literary feel. The name experienced a notable revival in the late 20th century as parents sought classic names with historical depth.
At a glance
A biblical and operatic classic meaning lily or rose, with centuries of literary and musical pedigree. The Italian spelling gives it elegance over the more common Susannah.
Etymology & History
Susanna is the Latin and early Christian form of the Greek Sousanna, itself a transliteration of the Hebrew Shoshana, meaning lily or lotus flower. The Greek form first appeared in the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, carrying the name into Christian use throughout the Mediterranean world. From Greek it passed into Latin as Susanna, the form found in the Vulgate Bible, and this Latin spelling became the standard in Western Christendom for centuries. The name is recorded in English documents from at least the 12th century, making it one of the oldest continuously attested female names in the British Isles. Its enduring presence through the medieval period, the Reformation, and subsequent centuries reflects the deep influence of biblical naming traditions. The Italian composer Handel set the story of Susanna to music in his 1749 oratorio of the same name, and the name also appears memorably in the works of Shakespeare's contemporaries, cementing its literary credentials. The four-syllable form retains a grace and formality that its shortened relatives have traded away in exchange for ease of use.
Cultural Significance
Susanna occupies a remarkable position in Christian history, being one of only a handful of women named individually in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke (8:3) names Susanna as one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry from her own means, one of the earliest named female disciples, which secured the name's use throughout Christian Europe for nearly two millennia. In the Old Testament, the story of Susanna appears in the Book of Daniel, where she is falsely accused and ultimately vindicated, making her a symbol of moral integrity. Susanna Clarke's celebrated fantasy novel 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell', which won the Hugo Award, brought fresh contemporary distinction to the name, while Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles gave it a rock-and-roll credibility in the 1980s. The name's combination of sacred history and literary distinction makes it a choice of considerable depth.
Famous people named Susanna
Susanna Clarke
British author of the celebrated fantasy novel 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell', which won the Hugo Award and is considered a landmark of modern fantasy literature.
Susanna Hoffs
American musician and co-founder of the 1980s pop-rock band The Bangles, known for hits including 'Eternal Flame' and 'Walk Like an Egyptian'.
Susanna of the Gospels
One of the women mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as a follower who supported Jesus and his disciples from her own means, one of the earliest named female disciples.
Susanna (biblical)
Virtuous woman in the deuterocanonical Book of Daniel, falsely accused and vindicated by the young prophet, a symbol of innocence and justice
Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro
Spirited and clever heroine of Mozart's celebrated opera, one of the most beloved characters in the operatic repertoire
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Susanna
Hannah
“Grace, favour”
Hannah means 'grace' or 'favour,' from the Hebrew 'Channah.' It carries a sense of divine blessing and graceful strength, rooted in one of the Bible's most moving stories of devotion and answered prayer.
Hosanna
“Joyful cry of praise and supplication”
Hosanna is a bold, joyful religious name with deep roots in both Jewish and Christian tradition, used as a given name primarily in devout English-speaking communities. It carries an exuberant, celebratory quality befitting its liturgical origin as a shout of praise. The name suits parents of strong faith who want a name that is both deeply meaningful and phonetically striking.
Rosanna
“Graceful rose”
Rosanna is a melodic compound name that has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century. It carries an air of romantic elegance, combining floral imagery with classic femininity. The name gained widespread recognition through literature and music, cementing its place as a timeless choice.
Savanna
“Open tropical grassland”
Savanna is a nature-inspired name that brings to mind the vast, sun-drenched grasslands of Africa and the Americas. It is a popular spelling variant that feels clean and direct, with two n's removed for a sleeker look. The name has gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents increasingly favour names drawn from the natural world.
Shoshana
“Rose, lily”
Shoshana is a Hebrew name meaning 'rose' or 'lily,' evoking the beauty and elegance of flowering plants. It is the origin of the widely used name Susan and its many variants across languages.
Susan
“Lily; pure and graceful”
Susan became one of the most dominant female names in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, consistently ranking in the most popular in the United States from the 1930s through the 1960s. It is the anglicised form of the ancient Hebrew Shoshana, passed through Greek and Latin into English. The name has a clean, classic sound that gave rise to a wealth of beloved nicknames including Sue, Susie, and Suze.
Susannah
“Lily with archaic English grace”
Susannah is the spelling favoured in the King James Bible (1611), which gave the form particular resonance in English Protestant traditions. The name has a warm, pastoral quality and is frequently associated with American folk culture through the famous Stephen Foster song 'Oh Susanna'. It remains a timeless choice that balances historical depth with an approachable, friendly sound.
Suzanne
“Lily, lotus”
Suzanne is the French form of Susanna, itself derived from the Hebrew Shoshannah meaning lily or lotus flower. The name appears in the biblical Book of Daniel and in the New Testament. It entered French through Latin ecclesiastical usage and became a firmly established feminine classic. The image of the lily, associated with purity and beauty, gives the name a graceful, enduring resonance.
Where you'll find Susanna
Susanna shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.